100 Minutes
Directed By: Scott Stewart
Written By: Peter Schink, Scott Stewart
Staring: Paul Bettany, Lucas Black, Tyrese Gibson, Dennis Quaid, Charles S. Dutton, Adrianne Palicki, Kate Walsh, Willa Holland, Kevin Durand
Review:
I went into Legion with mixed emotions and an open mind. I was in love with the trailers from the moment that I first saw them months ago. My main concern was that they had shown most of the cool scenes during the previews. I was also concerned that I had heard mixed reviews. Being the movie fan that I am, I decided to see Legion regardless of these concerns. When it comes to action fantasies like this movie I am like ketchup on french fries, it is just a perfect match. I also like films that have an apocalyptic theme and where normal everyday people are forced to fight for there lives and in some cases become heroes.
God has lost faith in humankind and has decided to wipe the slate clean and start over. Michael an angel played by Paul Bettany is sent to kill a baby that is about to be born. He decides to disobey God and races to protect the baby against a never ending horde of humans that have been possessed by angels whose mission is to kill the baby. What results are some deliciously wicked action sequences filled with blood, guts equating to a great time had by movie audiences.
The cast is great for this movie which added to my level of enjoyment. Paul Bettany was very believable as the tough arch angel Michael. I think that everyone else was cast well too. Thankfully this is an ensemble cast. If it were not, Dennis Quaid would not be successful. All of my favorite films are ones that he shares the screen with others, he is not a bad actor but he is the type of actor that is wonderful at elevating the rest of the actors around him. This is evident in films like The Right Stuff, Everybody’s All American and Vantage Point. A number of people think that his choices as of late have left a lot to be desired and that he has been taking films just to make a dollar. I have two words for you, Dwayne Johnson. That is a better example of someone taking roles for the money. I mean Tooth Fairy, RIDICULOUS.
The special effects were pretty cool, nothing earth shattering. I love all type of apocalyptic films and this one is one of the better ones I have seen as of late because of the special effects and action sequences. There was a general sense of dread during the possessed humans attacked. One particularly cool scene is when the sky is pitch black and everything is quiet and then all of a sudden thunder and lighting light up the sky and you see thousands of lifeless people standing there outside, so eerie.
There are many similarities between Legion and the original Terminator for a few reasons. First, Michael falls from sky into an alley in LA in a crouched position like Arney did at the beginning. The apocalyptic theme like I have already mentioned. There are others, for instance the end sequence, that scream Terminator but I do not want to ruin it.
The Bottom Line:
If you are looking for a way to entertain yourself during a dreary winter day this is a good option. I like Legion because of the action and fantasy and the nice blend of suspense/thriller thrown in for good measure. Legion is a unique story with decent dialogue and story line. I actually found myself laughing at times during the witty dialogue and think you will too.
Legion was definitely not at the top of my list of films to see, but after reading your thoughts and a few other peoples I have to say, it sounds like it might actually be worth taking a second look. The concept is cool so I’ll rethink my initial thoughts.
I don’t think I’ve heard a strong case here, not much to go other than hearing that he liked the film. I get the part about Dennis Quaid. I don’t have much love for him on his own, but as a backup he works well. Pandorum is a great example of this. But really, it sounds like this movie might possibly rise to the level of The Prophesy, but not Constantine.
I liked the action and the fact that the cast of supposed regular people were forced into a situation where they were forced to fight or flight. I love seeing situations like this where people have the chance to become a hero or go out in a blaze of glory. Lucas Black’s character did just that, he rose to the occasion to protect the woman he loved and the child she was carrying.
Randy loves the part where the where the old lady climbs the blinds. I’ve never seen him laugh so hard.